Catholic Education:
Transforming the World
Hosted by Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel · 612 Spadina Cres. E, Saskatoon SK
When
Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026
Where
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel
612 Spadina Cres. E, Saskatoon SK
Theme
Catholic Education: Transforming the World
Hosted by
Speakers
Roy Petitfils
Catholic Author and Speaker
Hope Has a Hallway: How Everyday Encounters in Catholic Schools Change the World
Roy has worked with young people for the last 30 years as a youth minister, campus minister, teacher, school administrator, school counselor and now as a psychotherapist in private practice. He is an internationally recognized expert in understanding and reaching teenagers. He consults with schools, churches and other organizations across the world who seek to effectively reach and influence today’s teens. Prior to becoming a counselor, Roy studied ministry and spirituality for five years both in the US and in Rome, Italy. He received his MS in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette.
Darcie Lich
Lay Associate, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
I Thought I’d Be Better at This by Now: Confessions of an Unfinished Disciple
Darcie is a Catholic educator, administrator, and formation leader with decades of experience in K–12 education, adult formation, retreats, and system-level leadership. She is a Lay Associate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Religious Education, along with certificates in Pastoral Care and Indigenous Pastoral Lay Ministry. A speaker, writer, and professional musician with a heart for messy discipleship, she brings humour, honesty, and disarming candor to conversations about faith, vocation, and mission.
Mark Matthews
AI Research Scientist
AI Myths and Realities: How Catholics Should Navigate the Coming Revolution
Born and raised on the Canadian prairies and a graduate of Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon, Mark is an AI Research Scientist for a pre-eminent technology company. He works on generative AI technologies that create realistic videos, capture worlds in 3D, and let you unlock your phone with your face.
During his 10 years at DreamWorks Animation as a visual FX expert, he received two DreamWorks Technical Achievement Awards for his volume rendering and hair modeling systems and has been awarded a patent for hair data compression. He holds 22 film credits.
Deacon Harry Lafond
Deacon and Cree Elder
Reconciliation in Action at awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School
Harry Lafond is a member and Elder of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, where he served as chief for 10 years, then Director of Education. He served as the Executive Director at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner for more than a decade. Harry is a Scholar in Indigenous Education at St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon. In 2020, he was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert.
Schedule
Friday, October 23
| 5:30–6:30 pm | Registration |
| 6:30 pm | Welcome & prayer |
| 6:45 pm | Keynote by Roy Petitfils |
| 8:15 pm | Social and fellowship |
Saturday, October 24
| 8:00–8:30 am | Breakfast |
| 8:30–9:30 am | Plenary session with Roy Petitfils |
| 9:30–10:30 am | Plenary session with Darcie Lich |
| 10:30 am | Break |
| 10:45–12:00 pm | Plenary session with Mark Matthews |
| 12:00–1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00–2:30 pm | SCSBA AGM |
| 2:30–4:30 pm | Free time |
| 5:00–6:00 pm | Mass at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral |
| 6:30 pm | Reception |
| 7:00–9:00 pm | Awards ceremony & banquet |
| 9:00 pm | Social/networking |
Sunday, October 25
| 8:00–9:00 am | Breakfast & check-out |
| 9:00–9:30 am | Travel to awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School |
| 9:30–10:00 am | Presentation by Deacon Harry Lafond |
| 10:00–11:30 am | School presentation & tours |
| 11:30–12:00 noon | Boxed lunch (provided). Safe travels! |
Registration
Includes all conference activities and meals. Saturday evening banquet ticket not included.
Trustees & Directors
$600
Per person for Trustees and Directors of Education.
CECAS, Faith Facilitators & Guests
$460
Per person for CECAS Members, Teacher/Faith Facilitators and Guest/Others fee.
Clergy
$200
Per person for Clergy attending. Registration fee is to cover meal costs for Friday to Sunday.
Awards Ceremony & Banquet — $140 per ticket
Saturday, October 24, 2026. Saturday evening banquet ticket is not included in the registration fee.
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel
612 Spadina Cres. E, Saskatoon SK
To book the hotel online, use the link below. Use “SCO” when calling direct 306-652-6770.
Good to know
Registration includes
All conference activities and meals.
Awards Ceremony & Banquet
Saturday, October 24, 2026. $140.00 per ticket.
Sunday morning
Breakfast & check-out, then travel to awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School. Boxed lunch provided.
Register Now!
Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026 · Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, Saskatoon SK
